Essential tips for moving house at Christmas
At Persimmon, we know that moving house at Christmas is a big moment. It’s exciting, busy, and full of festive energy. With realistic planning and a clear timeline, moving at Christmas can be smooth and straightforward, even with winter weather, shorter days and bank holiday closures to consider.
Key takeaways
• Moving at Christmas is achievable with early planning and clear timelines.
• Book removals, utilities and key services as soon as dates are confirmed.
• Use a simple Christmas moving checklist to stay organised.
• Prepare for shorter days, winter weather and holiday closures.
• Pack essentials and festive items separately for an easier first night.
Can you move house at Christmas?
Absolutely. Many households do it every year. Book early, communicate clearly, and focus on the essentials. With the right support and a few Christmas move packing tips, a December move is entirely achievable, and you can still keep the festive spirit alive.
Whether you’re heading to a new Persimmon home or keen to finalise before year-end, our friendly expert guidance will help you stay organised, cost-aware and calm throughout. Think of this as your go-to tips for moving during the holidays, with a practical Christmas moving checklist to keep everything on track.
Is Christmas a good time to move?
It can be. Settling in before the New Year, benefiting from quieter viewing schedules, or meeting annual deadlines all appeal to many buyers. With careful planning and a degree of flexibility, moving at Christmas can be practical and rewarding.
Do people move house between Christmas and New Year?
Some do, especially those aiming for a fresh start in January or working to contracted completion dates. Availability is limited, so book services early and expect shorter hours for banks, conveyancers and utility providers when moving house at Christmas.
Plan your move in advance
Start by recognising the seasonal challenges. December brings shorter daylight hours, the possibility of frost or snow, and busier roads near retail centres and events. Holiday closures can affect completion dates and the availability of conveyancers, lenders and removal firms, so build in contingency time and confirm key appointments early.
Moving house at Christmas is all about preparation, and having tips for moving during the holidays at your fingertips will make a real difference.
Create a detailed timeline and work back from your agreed completion date. Use this Christmas moving checklist to avoid last-minute stress:
- 6–8 weeks out: Finalise contracts where possible, confirm your target moving date, and inform your conveyancer and lender of any holiday availability constraints.
- 4 weeks out: Book removals, order packing materials, and begin packing non-essentials using simple Christmas move packing tips to protect seasonal items.
- 2 weeks out: Confirm handover times, arrange childcare or pet care for moving day, and plan your route with potential holiday traffic in mind.
- 1 week out: Pack a first-night box, label boxes by room, and double-check who holds the keys and when you’ll collect them.
Coordinate with school and work schedules to minimise disruption. If you can, align with school holidays to reduce missed lessons, and arrange leave with your employer in advance.
Book services and arrange utilities early
Removal companies are busy around the holidays, so secure a reliable team as soon as your date is in sight. Gather multiple quotes, check insurance cover, and ask about any seasonal surcharges.
Confirm arrival times with reduced daylight in mind. While friends and family can help with smaller moves, professional support brings clearer timelines, protection for your belongings, and fewer surprises, which is ideal when you’re moving house at Christmas.
Start utility transfers or setups as soon as your completion date is agreed. Aim for moving-day activation where possible and prioritise the essentials:
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- Electricity and gas: If you’re moving out of a property, make sure you take meter readings on your final day
- Water
- Broadband: Holiday appointments fill quickly. Book well in advance or plan to use mobile data temporarily
- Council tax: Update your details with your new local authority promptly.
Reduce admin later by setting up a Royal Mail Redirection for at least 3–6 months. Update banks, insurers and the DVLA with your new address.
If you’re moving into a Persimmon home, your welcome pack often includes local contacts and useful guidance to speed up these changes, exactly the kind of tips for moving during the holidays that keep things simple.
Prepare your home for a Christmas move
Decluttering before you pack saves time, money and effort. Donate seasonal items you no longer use, recycle old decorations responsibly, and cut down on bulky belongings that increase removal costs. Work room by room to keep decisions manageable and support a smoother moving at Christmas experience.
Protect holiday decorations with careful packing. Use sturdy boxes, wrap fragile baubles individually, and coil lights neatly with labels. Keep your favourite festive pieces in a clearly marked box so you can add a touch of Christmas to your new home soon after arrival.
Shorter days mean your first-night essentials matter even more. Prepare a clearly marked box containing:
- Kettle, mugs, tea, coffee and snacks
- Bedding, towels and warm layers
- Phone chargers, torches and basic tools
- Important documents, medications and a small cleaning kit
- Comfort items for children and pets to help them settle
Navigating the UK property market at Christmas
Understanding festive-season trends helps you plan strategically. Market activity often slows in late December, with many completions targeted for mid-month. However, motivated buyers and sellers may benefit from quicker decisions, less competition for viewings and smoother negotiations.
Most importantly, enjoy the reward
Moving can be stressful, but keep your eye on the prize. Once you're in, it's time to make your house yours. There's nothing quite like the first Christmas in your new home.
